Defense specialization and reinforcements two.
At that moment, above the falling trio, Sally, Kasumi, Iz, and Crom confirmed they were properly within the range of Love That Offers the Body, and prepared to leap down.
"Carrying eight is dangerous. The attack power is ridiculous."
"Properly enhanced. The STR increase that can be applied to weapons exceeds that of accessories. And with two-handed weapons, it's even better."
Iz nodded, satisfied, after assessing the damage. They had managed to deliver something worthwhile, despite the effort. With the heavy mace designed to be worn only one at a time, its high STR value multiplied by eight was already absurd. For the two of them, who possessed a skill that doubled the effect, this outcome was inevitable.
"Still impressive. I said to descend first and unsettle them, but I didn’t think you’d actually survive."
"Indeed. A creature that endures their attacks—rare indeed."
Each offering a quiet observation on the ruin before them, the four leap down after Maple and the others.
With Mai and Yui—now transformed into a boss-specific battle weapon, their offensive power vastly amplified—deployed onto the battlefield, the tide turns sharply in their favor.
They land directly atop the massive squid, shielded by Maple, and unleash relentless, ordinary attacks of staggering force. No matter how well they endured the first strike, it is not a final technique, nor a desperate gambit—only standard assault. There is nothing to be done.
The massive octopus's spray halted, frozen mid-air by the overwhelming damage. Those who survived seized the moment, launching a sudden offensive.
Taking full advantage of the clear opening, all present unleashed their greatest techniques. Among them, the most striking damage effects flared around the figure lying across the giant octopus—Maple, positioned atop the creature’s body.
“Yeah… my guild members are dependable, just as I thought.”
Thus, the colossal octopus, once a threat, dissolved into light and shattered under the relentless assault.
As the battle ended and the survivors exchanged their thoughts, Maple and the others rushed toward Kanade.
“Thank you. Sorry… I called you suddenly.”
“No, it’s fine! I was just startled by how huge it was.”
As Kanade and Maple spoke, Lily joined them as well.
You're startled. It's much sturdier than I expected.
Ahead of that gaze are Mai and Yui. With the two floating at their sides, the sight of eight great hammers held in their grasp is utterly unnatural.
“Fufufu, the results of training!”
“I see… yes. Indeed. You’ve undergone quite the rigorous training.”
“Yes. I thought I must have been mistaken when I first saw eight great hammers.”
Mai and Yui had trained in the fifth layer to master entirely different movements. For many players who had already reached the Seventh Layer, this was their first time witnessing such a sight.
The reaction from all around—whispers, murmurs, startled gasps—was likely due to that unnatural silhouette.
Then, a message arrived from the administrators for everyone. It explained what the massive squid had truly been.
So that’s why the event lasts so long. That makes sense.
A giant boss appears?
More like the second phase of the event—after the raid boss is defeated, the next goal is to take down the massive boss appearing in each layer. There are other changes, but this is the main one.
Lily quickly finished reading and grasped the content. Sally, having understood the same, explained it to Maple.
With half the event period remaining, players who had defeated a set number of limited monsters were informed of their next objective: to defeat the giant boss appearing in each layer.
As Lily and the others had sensed, this was not something one party could handle alone. It required many players to converge at a designated location on the map at a predetermined time, aiming to destroy it before it vanished. It would disappear after some time, so attacks had to be launched promptly.
Medals will be awarded after the event based on the number of monsters defeated, and there is also a chance of dropping another material.
Oh! Then we’ll have to try harder again!
This appearance was unusual. It occurred when Kasumi reached the farthest innermost part of the fourth-layer town for the first time, coinciding exactly with the number of event monsters defeated reaching the final reward threshold. The presence of Kanade and the others was purely coincidental.
The 【Maple Tree】 would be greatly helpful if it joined the fight. Its sheer size makes its attack power unmatched. Their combined strength is essential.
Mai and Yui are flattered by the praise, but it is deserved. No one could contribute more to swiftly concluding the hunt than they.
Against monsters... and especially one of that size. It should be easy to hit. The battle should be manageable.
The lack of speed makes it hard to avoid, as Kanade said. Still, this is enough for now. They will wait until the next battle.
They have seen unexpected growth in two of them. A good outcome. Wil, let us gather the guild members and return.
Yes, let us do that.
Uh, see you in the next boss fight!
Ah. I would be glad to. Until we meet again, Maple.
Lily says this and departs with Wil. From here, the event, once thought to have ample time, suddenly enters its second phase. Maple and the others now face the event anew.